System and method for framed lid

ABSTRACT

A package for retaining a food item includes a tray with a base connected to at least one sidewall. The sidewall extends away from the base to a rim to define an inner chamber. The tray is made of a fluid impermeable material to retain fluids in the inner chamber. The package also includes a shelf made of the fluid impermeable material that is removably supported in the inner chamber such that the shelf is spaced apart from the base of the tray to permit an absorbent pad to be positioned therebetween. The shelf is configured to support the food item in the inner chamber separated from the absorbent pad.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 16/706,155 filed on 6 Dec. 2019, titled “System andMethod for Framed Lid” that is a continuation-in-part of and claimspriority to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/385,953 filed on 16 Apr. 2019,titled “System and Method for Framed Lid, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,501,216, that is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/344,975 filed on 7 Nov. 2016, titled “System and Method for FramedLid” now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,266,286, the entireties of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Product packages comprising a tray/tub with a film seal and/or a lid areknown in the art. Some products require that they be kept sealed fromthe environment until opened by a consumer. However, current productpackages with film seals are cumbersome for the consumer to use, areinefficient in design, and are limited in functionality.

Certain products require that the atmosphere in which they are stored bedifferent than the standard environmental atmosphere and thus theproduct package must maintain the integrity of the modified atmospherewithin the package. As a non-limiting example, some food packagesrequire that the food product be held in a modified atmosphere. Otherproduct packages may have different modified atmospheric requirements,such as an inert gas, nitrogen, etc. Each of these product packages mustmaintain their respective modified atmospheres for a reasonable periodof time so that the product is sold to the consumer in the stateintended by the seller.

In the case of food product packages, some tray-with-lid packages havedifficulty maintaining a modified atmosphere within the package andtherefore the food product is required to be sealed in a pouch which isplaced within the tray. While the lid on such a package may be used morethan once by the consumer, the product must still be placed in a sealedpouch prior to purchase which requires extra manufacturing steps,additional processing time, further materials, and consequently highercost. Additionally, the consumer must perform two separate steps to openthe package: a first step to remove the lid from the tray, and a secondstep to remove the product from the pouch.

Other food product packages which have a film sealed to the top of thetray are able to maintain the modified atmosphere inside the packageuntil opened by the consumer. However, these tray-film-lid packages alsosuffer from similar drawbacks. For example, the consumer must stillperform two separate steps to open the package: a first step to removethe lid, and a second step to remove the film

Still other food packages may only have a tray-with film construction.While these packages only require one step to remove the film, thesetypes of packages are not resealable or reusable by the consumer withoutresorting to the use of a different sealing material, e.g., a cling-typefilm, aluminum foil, etc.

Accordingly, there is a need for product packages which are easier tomanufacture, easier for the consumer to open, require fewer resources toproduce, and are resealable and/or reusable by the consumer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary product package showing atray, a film or sealing film, and a lid according to an embodiment ofthe present subject matter.

FIG. 2 is a partially-exploded isometric view of the exemplary productpackage of FIG. 1 during assembly with the sealing film releasablyattached to the tray before the lid is engaged with the tray accordingto an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a partially-exploded isometric view of the exemplary productpackage of FIG. 1 during use by a consumer showing the lid and adheringsealing film being removed from the tray according to an embodiment ofthe present subject matter.

FIG. 4 is an exploded elevation view of an exemplary product showing thetray, the sealing film, and the lid according to an embodiment of thepresent subject matter.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary product package showingthe sealing film adhering to the lid during use of the product packageby a consumer and a ledge on a sidewall of the product package,according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of the exemplary product package ofFIG. 5 illustrating detail of the lid, sealing film, sidewall, sidewallrim, and ledge, according to an embodiment of the present subjectmatter.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary product package duringassembly with the sealing film releasably attached to the tray beforethe lid is engaged with the tray according to an embodiment of thepresent subject matter.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary product package duringassembly showing a tray, a sealing film, and a lid according to anotherembodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of steps for a method for accessing a productcontained within a product package as described herein, according to anembodiment of the present subject matter.

FIGS. 10-14 are various depictions of the exemplary product package ofFIG. 1 illustrating details of the interaction of various parts duringassembly and/or use of the product package according to an embodiment ofthe present subject matter.

FIGS. 15-19 are various depictions of another exemplary product packageillustrating details of the interaction of various parts during assemblyand/or use of the product package according to an embodiment of thepresent subject matter.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of another exemplary product packageincluding a shelf in accordance with another aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the product package of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the product package ofFIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of an example tray of the product packageof FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 is a top view of the tray of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tray of FIG. 23.

FIGS. 26A and 26B are magnified views of exemplary rims of the tray ofFIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is an isometric view of an exemplary shelf of the productpackage of FIG. 20.

FIG. 28 is a top view of the shelf of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the tray and shelf at an exemplaryretention grip.

FIG. 30 is an isometric view of an exemplary absorbent pad of theproduct package of FIG. 20.

FIG. 31 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the absorbent pad ofFIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional isometric view of another exemplary productpackage that includes a shelf with ridges projecting toward the base ofthe tray.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional isometric view of the product package ofFIG. 20 showing the product packaged wrapped in a covering film

FIG. 34 is an isometric view of another exemplary product package of thepresent disclosure including a lid, film wrap, tray and removable shelf

FIG. 35 is a top view of the product package of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a side view of the product package of FIG. 33.

FIG. 37 is a top view of another exemplary product package of thepresent disclosure showing an alternatively configured shelf that isdifferent from the configuration of the shelf of the product package ofFIG. 20.

FIG. 38 is an isometric view of another exemplary product package of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 39 is an isometric view of an example tray of the product packageof FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a top view of an example shelf of the product package of FIG.38.

FIG. 41 is an isometric view of another exemplary product package of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 42 is a top view of an example shelf of the product package of FIG.41.

FIG. 43 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the product package ofFIG. 41.

FIG. 44 is a magnified view of the longitudinal cross-sectional view ofFIG. 43 at an example retention grip and support.

FIG. 45 is a top view of an exemplary tray blank showing the layout offour trays on the blank.

FIG. 46 is a top view of an exemplary shelf blank showing the layout offour shelves on the blank.

FIG. 47 is a top view of an exemplary combined blank showing four traysand four shelves nested together on the blank.

FIG. 48 is an isometric view of another exemplary tray of the presentdisclosure that includes longitudinal and transverse ribs.

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional isometric view of another exemplary tray ofthe present disclosure that includes a flexible sheet in place of ashelf

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional isometric view of another exemplary tray ofthe present disclosure that includes an absorbent portion integratedinto a flexible sheet.

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional isometric view of another exemplary tray ofthe present disclosure that includes an absorbent portion with acomplimentary profile to that of the support braces in the base of thetray.

FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional isometric view of another exemplary packageof the present disclosure that includes a platform formed into the baseof the tray with adhered absorbent portion.

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional isometric view of another exemplary packageof the present disclosure that includes a flexible sheet with integratedabsorbent portion.

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional isometric view of an exemplary stack ofpackages of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the present subject matter is provided asan enabling teaching of the present subject matter and its best,currently-known embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognize thatmany changes can be made to the embodiments described herein while stillobtaining the beneficial results of the present subject matter. It willalso be apparent that for some embodiments, some of the desired benefitsof the present subject matter can be obtained by selecting some of thefeatures of the present subject matter without utilizing other features.Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that manymodifications and adaptations of the present subject matter are possibleand may even be desirable in certain circumstances and are part of thepresent subject matter. Thus, the following description is provided asillustrative of the principles of the present subject matter and not inlimitation thereof and may include modification thereto and permutationsthereof While the following exemplary discussion of embodiments of thepresent subject matter may be directed towards or reference specificsystems and/or methods for a product package, it is to be understoodthat the discussion is not intended to limit the scope of the presentsubject matter in any way and that the principles presented are equallyapplicable to other systems and/or methods for a product package.

Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that many modificationsto the exemplary embodiments described herein are possible withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter. Thus,the description is not intended and should not be construed to belimited to the examples given but should be granted the full breadth ofprotection afforded by the appended claims and equivalents thereto.

With reference to the figures where like elements have been given likenumerical designations to facilitate an understanding of the presentsubject matter, various embodiments of a system and method for a novelproduct package are described.

With attention drawn to FIG. 1, an isometric view of an exemplaryproduct package 100 is depicted showing a tray/tub 110 (generallyreferred to herein as a “tray”), a film or sealing film 120, and a lid130 according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. In anembodiment, the tray 110 may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid plasticand may be translucent. The sealing film 120 is typically flexible andtransparent, but may be translucent, and acts to hermetically seal theinterior of the product package from an external environment. The lid130 may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid plastic and may be translucent.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lid 130 may be formed in aring-like or frame structure with the sealing film 120 spanning and/orenclosing the center hole in the lid. Thus, the lid/film structure shownin FIG. 1 and throughout the other figures may be a hybridrigid/flexible construction with superior viewing and sealingproperties. For embodiments where the sealing film 120 is transparent, aproduct placed in the product package 100 may be placed with a “good”side up to be viewed by a consumer through the sealing film 120. This isa more convenient product orientation for the consumer than prior artpackages which do not have transparent tops and therefore require the“good” side of the product to face downward for necessitating theconsumer to pick up the package and view the product through the bottomof the package.

Further, the product package 100 is sealable, reusable, and leak-proofthus providing additional benefits to the consumer. In some embodiments,the product package 100 is also resealable in an airtight and/orwatertight manner Because the sealing film 120 seals an interior spaceof the product package 100 from an external environment, the productcarried within the interior space (e.g., a food product) need not besealed within an inner pouch before being placed in the interior space.The elimination of the inner pouch allows for better product definitionand visibility and better presentation of the product to the consumer.

Another benefit attributable to the novel design of the product package100 is the reduction of materials required to make the package. Since,in particular embodiments, the lid 130 is a ring-like or framestructure, the material required to manufacture this type of lid is lessthan the material required to manufacture a whole lid (i.e., without thehole in the middle). This reduction in material may further lead toimprovements in case packing, stacking, pallet, and transportationefficiencies. The reduction in material may also afford increased runrates on the production line allowing for more finished goods to beproduced. Additional benefits due to the elimination of the inner pouchinclude: the overall package may be smaller (e.g., have a smallerheight) while holding the same quantity of product; the package may bethe same size as before but with an increase in the product containedtherein; and/or a smaller package size leads to a reduction in theamount of materials needed, reduced packing and stacking heights, andthe ability to carry more packages on a pallet.

As will be discussed in more detail below, an important benefit is theease of accessibility of the product by the consumer since the consumercan access the product in one step rather than taking multiple steps ascurrent packages require.

Now turning to FIG. 2, a partially-exploded isometric view is presentedof the exemplary product package 100 of FIG. 1 during assembly with thesealing film 120 releasably attached to the tray 110 before the lid 230is engaged with the tray according to an embodiment of the presentsubject matter.

In an embodiment for assembling the product package 100 including aproduct (not shown for clarity), the product is placed in an interiorspace of the product package 100 (e.g., the product is placed in thetray 110). The tray 100 is then gas flushed and the sealing film 120(which, in an embodiment, may be a laminated film) is releasably sealeddirectly to the tray 110. The sealing film may be sealed to the tray ina predetermined fashion, such as, for example, the film contacting therim of the tray (e.g., the rim of the sidewall(s) of the tray) or thefilm contacting a ledge formed in the sidewall(s) of the tray, as willbe described in further detail below. In an embodiment, the portion ofthe film contacting the rim of the tray will comprise a material thatwill allow for an “easy peel away” function, i.e., be releasably sealedto the rim (or ledge) of the tray. Once the sealing film 120 is attachedto the tray 110, the lid 230 will then be applied to the tray/filmassembly. The portion of the sealing film 120 that is in contact withthe lid 230 will comprise a material that will allow for a relativelypermanent bond between the sealing film 120 and the lid 230 therebycreating a functional leak-proof, re-sealable, re-useable productpackage.

As stated above, an additional benefit of the novel product package isthe elimination of an inner pouch for holding a product in a modifiedatmosphere. Also, the hybrid rigid/flexible lid/film covering creates anenhanced leak proof, re-sealable, and reusable finished package.Furthermore, the novel product package allows for printing to appear onthe film, such as a design or text, and be product specific with avariety of lid colors, and allows for a colored rim and a clear windowin the lid formed by the film to showcase the product for increasedproduct definition and visibility. Current prior art packages aretypically limited to one color and require a cardstock or label to beattached to the lid or elsewhere on the package to show graphics.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partially-exploded isometric view of the exemplaryproduct package 100 of FIG. 1 during use by a consumer showing the lid330 and the adhering sealing film 320 being removed from the tray 110,according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. As illustratedin FIG. 3, a consumer may access a product in the product package 100 bysimply removing the lid/film assembly in one step. As discussed above,the sealing film, as shown in FIG. 2, is initially releasably sealed tothe tray 110 thereby hermetically sealing the interior of the packagefrom an external environment (and allowing for a modified environment toexist within the package). The sealing film is also more permanentlyattached to the lid 230 after the lid is engaged to the tray 110 duringmanufacturing. As shown in FIG. 3, when the lid/rim is removed from thefinished package by the consumer, the sealing film 320 will release fromthe tray 110 and stay permanently attached to the lid 330. Prior artpackages require more than one step for a consumer to access the productwhereas a unique feature of the novel product package 100 is a“one-step” opening aspect where the consumer can open the package andaccess the product in just one step thereby increasing the utility ofthe product for the consumer.

Considering FIG. 4, an exploded elevation view is presented of anembodiment of an exemplary product package 400 showing the variouscomponents of the product package: a tray 410, a sealing film 420, and alid 430. The tray 410 may comprise a base portion 411 and at least onesidewall 412 having a rim 413. While the product package 400 is depictedas being generally rectangular, any geometric shape is contemplatedconsistent with the teachings presented herein.

Now considering FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of an exemplary productpackage 500 showing the sealing film 520 adhering to the lid 530 duringuse of the product package by a consumer, according to an embodiment ofthe present subject matter. The tray 510 comprises a base portion 511and at least one sidewall 512 having a rim 513. Also shown in thisembodiment is a ledge 514 formed on a sidewall 512 between the base 511and the sidewall rim 513. The sealing film 520 may be releasablyattached to the ledge 514 to seal the inner space of the product package500 from an external environment. Alternate embodiments allow for thesealing film 520 to attach to a sidewall 512 without the presence of aledge, such as, for example, to the rim 513 which is discussed furtherbelow with respect to FIG. 8.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the exemplary productpackage 500 of FIG. 5 illustrating detail of the lid 530, the sealingfilm 520, sidewall 512, sidewall rim 513, and the ledge 514, accordingto an embodiment of the present subject matter. As can be seen in thisembodiment, the sidewall rim 513 is formed in an inverted U-shape havingan inner rim wall 515 and an outer rim wall 516. The lid 530 includes achannel 533, also formed in an inverted U-shape, for receiving thesidewall rim 513 when the lid is positioned on the tray 510. In thisembodiment, the lid 530 is formed as a ring and/or frame as shown inFIGS. 1-3, and the channel 533 is formed by an inner lid wall 535 and anouter lid wall 536. The inner lid wall 536 includes a flange 534 towhich the sealing film 520 may be fixedly attached. The flange 534 isdimensioned to mate with the ledge 514 with the sealing film 520disposed therebetween. The ring/shaped lid 530 circumscribes an openingthat is spanned by the sealing film 520. In an embodiment, the lid 530engages the sidewall rim 513 by an interference fit between the innerlid wall 535 and the inner rim wall 515. In another embodiment, the lid530 engages the sidewall rim 513 by an interference fit between theouter lid wall 536 and the outer rim wall 516. In a further embodiment,the lid 530 engages the sidewall rim 513 by an interference fit betweenthe inner lid wall 535 and the inner rim wall 515 and by an interferencefit between the outer lid wall 536 and the out rim wall 516.

FIG. 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary product package700 during assembly with the sealing film 720 releasably attached to aledge 714 in a sidewall of the tray 710 before the lid 730 is engagedwith the tray, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.As discussed above, the lid 730 will be positioned on the tray 710 andfixedly attached to the sealing film 720. A consumer may then access theinterior space of the product package 700 by disengaging the lid 730from the tray 710 thereby removing the sealing film 720 from the ledge714.

With attention now drawn to FIG. 8 a cross-sectional view of anexemplary product package 800 during assembly showing a tray 810, asealing film 820, and a lid 830, according to another embodiment of thepresent subject matter. In this embodiment, the sealing film 820 isreleasably attached to the rim 813 of a sidewall of the tray 810. Thelid 830 is positioned on the tray 810 and fixedly attached to thesealing film 820. The lid 830 may be ring-shaped, as discussed above, ormay be a whole lid. In this embodiment, the lid 830 engages the rim 813by an interference fit between an outer lid wall 836 and an outer rimwall 816.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of steps for a method for accessing a productcontained within a product package as described herein, according to anembodiment of the present subject matter. At block 910, a storage deviceis provided where the storage device comprises a base connected to atleast one sidewall which extends away from the base terminating at a rimand comprises a ledge formed between the base and the rim. At block 920,a product is placed in an interior space of the storage device. At block930, a film is releasably attached to the ledge to seal the interiorspace of the tray from an external environment. At block 940 a lid isprovided where the lid is dimensioned to receive the rim when the lid ispositioned on the storage device. At block 950, the lid is fixedlyattached to the film At block 960, the product is accessed in one stepby disengaging the lid from the storage device thereby removing the filmfrom the ledge.

In another embodiment, at block 925 a gas flush of the interior space isperformed after the product is placed in the interior space. In afurther embodiment, at block 970, the lid is replaced on the storagedevice.

FIGS. 10-14 are various depictions of the exemplary product package ofFIG. 1 illustrating details of the interaction of various parts duringassembly and/or use of the product package according to an embodiment ofthe present subject matter. For the sake of simplicity, no product isshown in the package or discussed during the various stages of assemblyand/or use of the package although those of skill in the art willreadily understand that product would be placed in the product packageat the appropriate time during assembly and in an appropriate manner

FIG. 10 is an isometric view, similar to FIG. 1, of an exemplary productpackage 100 where depicted is a tray/tub 110, a film or sealing film120, and a lid 130 where, as described above, the sealing film 120 isreleasably attached to a ledge on a sidewall of the tray 110 and fixedlyattached to a flange of the lid. This is a typical configuration for theproduct package, according to an embodiment of the present subjectmatter, as it might appear on a store shelf

FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric partially-exploded view of theexemplary product package 100 during assembly. At this point of theassembly, the sealing film 120 has been releasably attached to a ledgeon a sidewall of the tray 110 and the lid 230 has not yet been put inplace.

FIG. 12A depicts an isometric partially-exploded view of the productpackage 100 with the sealing film 120 releasably attached to the tray110 as discussed above, and the lid 230 is then placed on the tray 110as indicated by the arrow. The lid 230 will be prepared in a manner thatwhen placed on the tray 110 the sealing film 120 will become fixedlyattached to the lid. FIG. 12B is a partial cross-sectional close-up viewof the product package 100 shown in FIG. 12A. Again, the arrow in FIG.12B indicates the lid 230 being placed on the tray 110 as describedabove.

FIG. 13A illustrates an isometric partially-exploded view of the productpackage 100 when a consumer opens the package. The consumer removes thelid 330 from the tray 110 and since the sealing film 320 has beenfixedly attached to the lid and releasably attached to the tray, thesealing film is lifted away from the tray along with the lid, thusallowing the consumer access to the product within the package. FIG. 13Bis a partial cross-sectional close-up view of the product package 100shown in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional exploded view of the product package 100showing the tray 110, the lid 830, and the sealing film 820. FIG. 14indicates that the sealing film 820 is/will be fixedly attached/sealedto the lid 830 and is/will be releasably attached/sealed to the tray110, as described in detail above.

FIGS. 15-19 are various depictions of another exemplary product packageillustrating details of the interaction of various parts during assemblyand/or use of the product package according to an embodiment of thepresent subject matter. For the sake of simplicity, no product is shownin the package or discussed during the various stages of assembly and/oruse of the package although those of skill in the art will readilyunderstand that product would be placed in the product package at theappropriate time during assembly and in an appropriate manner

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of another exemplary product package 1500where depicted is a tray/tub 1510, a film or sealing film 1520, and alid 1530. As described above with respect to FIG. 8, the sealing film1520 is releasably attached, for example, to a top ledge on a sidewallof the tray 1510 or to the top of the rim of the sidewall of the tray1510 (the following discussion will refer to the rim of the tray forsimplicity and should not be construed as limiting the scope of thedisclosure in any way), and the sealing film 1520 is fixedly attached toan underside portion of the lid 1530, an embodiment of which will beshown in further detail below. This is also a typical configuration forthe product package 1500, according to an embodiment of the presentsubject matter, as it might appear on a store shelf

FIG. 16 depicts an isometric view of the exemplary product package 1500during assembly. At this point of the assembly, the sealing film 1520has been releasably attached to the rim of the tray 1510 and a lid hasnot yet been placed thereon.

FIG. 17A depicts an isometric exploded view of the product package 1500with the sealing film 1520 dimensioned so as to fit on the rim of thetray 1510, and the lid 1630 positioned above and configured to attach tothe tray 1510 with the sealing film 1520 disposed therebetween. Asdiscussed above, the sealing film 1520 will be releasably attached tothe tray 1510 and then the lid 1630 will be then placed thereon, wherethe lid 1630 will have been prepared in a manner that the sealing film1520 will become fixedly attached to the lid 1630. FIG. 17B is a partialcross-sectional close-up view of the product package 1500 shown in FIG.17A. The downwardly-pointing arrow indicates the sealing film 1520releasably attached to the rim of the tray 1520 and theupwardly-pointing arrow indicates the sealing film 1520 fixedly attachedto the lid 1630.

FIG. 18 illustrates an isometric partially-exploded view of the productpackage 1500 when a consumer opens the package. The consumer removes thelid 1830 from the tray 1510 and since the sealing film 1820 has beenfixedly attached to the lid and releasably attached to the tray, thesealing film is lifted away from the tray along with the lid, thusallowing the consumer access to the product within the package 1500.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional exploded view of the product package 1500showing the tray 1510, the lid 1630, and the sealing film 1620. FIG. 19indicates that the sealing film 1620 is/will be fixedly attached/sealedto the lid 1630 and is/will be releasably attached/sealed to the tray1510, as described in detail above.

An embodiment includes an apparatus, comprising a tray having a baseconnected to at least one sidewall which extends away from the baseterminating at a rim and comprising a ledge formed between the base andthe rim; a film releasably attached to the ledge to seal an interiorspace of the tray from an external environment; and a lid dimensioned toreceive the rim when the lid is positioned on the tray, where the lid isfixedly attached to the film, and where the lid is configured to allow auser to access the interior space by disengaging the lid from the traythereby removing the film from the ledge.

In another embodiment, the lid comprises a channel for receiving the rimwhen the lid is positioned on the tray. In yet another embodiment, thelid comprises a frame having a channel formed by an outer lid wall andan inner lid wall, where the inner lid wall comprises a flange forattaching to the film, and the frame may circumscribe an opening in thelid with the film spanning the opening.

In still another embodiment, the rim is formed in an inverted U-shapecomprising an inner rim wall and an outer rim wall, and the lidcomprises a channel formed by an inner lid wall and an outer lid wallfor receiving the rim when the lid is positioned on the tray, and wherethe lid engages the rim by an interference fit between the inner lidwall and the inner rim wall. Other embodiments include a flange attachedto the inner lid wall, where the flange is fixedly attached to the filmFurther, the flange may mate with the ledge with the film disposedbetween the flange and the ledge.

In yet still another embodiment, the base is connected to four sidewallsthat are arranged to approximate a rectangle.

In a further embodiment, the film comprises a design.

Yet a further embodiment includes an apparatus, comprising a tray havinga base connected to at least one sidewall which extends away from thebase terminating at a rim, a film releasably attached to the sidewall toseal an interior space of the tray from an external environment, and alid dimensioned to receive the rim when the lid is positioned on thetray, where the lid is fixedly attached to the film, and where the lidis configured to allow a user to access the interior space bydisengaging the lid from the tray thereby removing the film from thesidewall.

A still further embodiment includes a method for accessing a productcontained within a storage device, where the method includes the stepsof providing a storage device comprising a base connected to at leastone sidewall which extends away from the base terminating at a rim andcomprising a ledge formed between the base and the rim, placing aproduct in an interior space of the storage device, releasably attachinga film to the ledge to seal the interior space of the tray from anexternal environment, providing a lid dimensioned to receive the rimwhen the lid is positioned on the storage device, fixedly attaching thelid to the film, and accessing the product in one step by disengagingthe lid from the storage device thereby removing the film from theledge.

In yet still a further embodiment, the method includes the step ofperforming a gas flush of the interior space after the product is placedin the interior space. In an even further embodiment, the method furtherincludes the step of replacing the lid on the storage device.

Turning now to FIGS. 20-32, another exemplary product package 2000 isshown. In this example, the product package 2000 can include a tray2010, a shelf 2012 and an absorbent pad 2014. The package 2000 can bemolded to include a base 2018 and a sidewall 2016. The sidewall 2016 canproject upwards from the base 2018 as shown to define a receptacle orinner chamber 2022. The absorbent pad 2014 can be received into theinner chamber 2022. The shelf 2012 can be positioned over the absorbentpad 2014. In the assembled configuration (FIG. 20), food items such asmeats can be placed on the shelf 2012 in the inner chamber 2022. Acovering film or other cover, as will be described in further detailbelow, can be placed over the inner chamber 2022 and/or around thepackage 2000. In such a configuration, the package 2000 can be used tohold, transport, protect or otherwise retain food items in a convenient,durable, useful and aesthetically pleasing container.

As shown in FIG. 22, for example, the absorbent pad 2014 can bepositioned between the shelf 2012 and the base 2018. The shelf 2012 canbe supported in the inner chamber 2022 such that the shelf 2012 isspaced apart from the base 2018. In this position, the space between theshelf 2012 and the base 2018 forms a well into which run-off, juices orother fluids from a food item can flow away from the food item and beabsorbed by the absorbent pad 2014 and/or be positioned away from thefood item.

In one example use, the package 2000 can be used to hold a meat productsuch as uncooked chicken. Uncooked chicken can be wet and can expeljuices or other drippings after packaging. Consumers often do not likethe appearance of uncooked chicken when it is resting in a pool of thejuices or other expelled fluids. Additionally, consumers may prefer tohandle uncooked chicken that is relatively more dry than uncookedchicken that has been sitting in a pool of its own juices or otherexpelled fluids. The package 2000 can address these consumer preferencesby supporting the uncooked chicken on the shelf 2012 away from the base2018. The package 2000 can include a space between the shelf 2012 andthe base 2018 that can hold the juices and fluids that can drain fromthe uncooked chicken. The absorbent pad 2014 can be positioned under theshelf 2012 to absorb the juices or other fluids that may drain towardthe base 2018.

In some processing methods, food items such as uncooked chicken can beprocessed in a wet process in which the chicken can be submerged in awater and/or phosphate solution. Such wet processing techniques canadvantageously maintain the chicken or other food item in the solutionto inhibit bacteria or other contaminants from being deposited oraccumulating on exposed surfaces. Such wet processing, however, canresult in the chicken or other food item being entrained with fluid thatcan drain or otherwise flow from the chicken or other food item afterprocessing. The packages of the present disclosure allow the fluids todrain from the chicken or other food item and be captured away from thefood item(s). The packages of the present disclosure can also be used topackage food items processed using other methods (e.g., air-chilled,non-enhanced, or pre-drained/aged processing methods) but areparticularly well suited for food items processed using wet processingtechniques.

As can be appreciated, the package 2000 can be used for other items orother foods other than the uncooked chicken described above. Other meats(cooked and uncooked) can be positioned in the package 2000. Vegetables,prepared foods, salads, or other items can also be packaged, stored andtransported in the package 2000.

As shown in FIGS. 20-25, the tray 2010 can have a rounded rectangularshape such that the tray 2010 has a length that is greater than itswidth. The tray 2010 and other elements of the package 2000 may bedescribed using the terms “longitudinal” and “transverse” in the presentdisclosure. The “longitudinal” direction means a direction aligned in orsubstantially parallel to a direction along the length of the tray 2010(i.e., the longer side of the tray 2010). The “transverse” directionmeans a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection or a direction aligned in or substantially parallel to adirection along the width of the tray 2010 (i.e., the shorter side ofthe tray 2010).

While the tray 2010 can be substantially rectangular in shape, the tray2010 can have a bowl shape in that the corners 2024 can be radiused toshow a rounded outer profile. The sidewall 2016 can also be angledinwardly toward a center of the tray 2010. The rounded profile and theinwardly sloping sidewall 2016 can create the bowl shape of the tray2010. In other examples, the tray 2010 can have other shapes and otherouter profiles. In such examples, the tray 2010 can have a cube shape,oval shape, round shape or other shapes as may be desired.

The base 2018 of the tray 2010 can have a platform 2026. The platform2026 can be raised above the base 2018 to define a well 2028 (FIG. 23).The absorbent pad 2014 can rest on the platform 2026 when the absorbentpad 2014 is assembled into the tray 2010. As juices or other fluids flowdownward toward the base 2018, the fluids can be absorbed by theabsorbent pad 2014 and/or excess fluids can fall into the well 2028under the absorbent pad 2014. In this manner, the fluids can be removedaway from the food product that may be contained in the package 2000.

The platform 2026 in the example shown is oval shaped. The platform canhave other suitable shapes such as rectangular, square or others as maybe desired. The platform 2026 can be used as a surface to apply, printor otherwise display product or branding information to the package2000. In some examples, a label can be applied to the bottom surface ofthe platform 2026 that is visible to a consumer. In other examples, theplatform 2026 may be configured as one or more raised ribs, projectionsor other formations that can function as previously described. In stillother examples, the base 2018 of the tray 2010 can be substantiallyplanar. In such examples, the base 2018 may not include a platform 2026.

In the example shown (FIG. 24), the tray 2010 may also include one ormore features that support the shelf 2012 when the shelf 2012 isassembled into tray 2010. In the example shown, the tray 2010 includes afirst support 2030, a second support 2032, a third support 2034 and afourth support 2036. The second support 2032 and the fourth support 2036can be oriented on the sidewall 2016 in the longitudinal direction. Thefirst support 2030 and the third support 2034 can be oriented on thesidewall 2016 in the transverse direction.

The supports 2030, 2032, 2034, 2036 can project inwardly away from thesidewall 2016. The supports 2030, 2032, 2034, 2036 can define a supportsurface or support plane P1 (FIG. 25) on which the shelf 2012 can bepositioned during assembly. Because the supports 2030, 2032, 2034, 2036project inwardly, the shelf 2012 can be restricted from moving towardthe base 2018. As will be further described, the support plane P1 can bepositioned at any suitable vertical distance from the base 2018 in orderto provide a desired position of the shelf and/or to provide spacing forthe absorbent pad 2014.

In the example shown, the supports 2030, 2032, 2034, 2036 are discreteprojections that are positioned around the sidewall 2016 as previouslydescribed. As shown, the second and fourth supports, 2032, 2036 arelonger than the first and third supports, 2030, 2034. The second andfourth supports, 2032, 2036 can be approximately twice as long as thefirst and third supports, 2030, 2034. The supports can have otherrelative sizes as well and also can be configured as a single continuoussupport that is positioned around the side wall 2016. In still otherexamples, the support plane P1 can be defined by a series ofprojections, darts or other features that can be used to support theshelf 2012. The tray 2010 may also only include supports positionedlongitudinally (e.g., only supports 2032, 2036) or may only includetransverse supports (e.g., only supports 2030, 2034).

The tray 2010 can also include one or more features that can retain theshelf 2012 in a desired position once it is seated in the tray 2010. Inthe example shown, the tray 2010 includes a first retention grip 2038, asecond retention grip 2040, a third retention grip 2042 and a fourthretention grip 2044. The retention grips 2038, 2040, 2042, 2044 can eachbe positioned at a corner 2024 of the tray 2010. The retention grips2038, 2040, 2042, 2044 can be positioned at a vertical location abovethe base 2018 and vertically above the support plane P1 such that theshelf 2012 can be positioned between the supports 2030, 2032, 2034, 2036and the retention grips 2038, 2040, 2042, 2044. In this manner, theshelf 2012 can be retained in position on or at the support plane P1.

Each of the retention grips 2038, 2040, 2042, 2044 can be similar to oneanother with one of each of the retention grips positioned at a corner2024 of the tray 2010. For the sake of brevity, the first retention grip2038 is described further below. It should be understood, however, thateach of the other retention grips, namely, the second retention grip2040, the third retention grip 2042 and the fourth retention grip 2044can be similarly configured.

As shown, the first retention grip 2038 can project inwardly from theside wall 2016. The first retention grip 2038 can include an outer edge2046 that follows the profile of the sidewall 2016 at the corner 2024.The outer edge 2046 can have an arcuate shape that is shaped similarlyto the rounded bowl shape of the tray 2010. The first retention grip2038 can also include an inner edge 2048. The inner edge 2048, in thisexample, has a linear profile that can essentially be a chord of the arcof the outer edge 2046. The inner edge 2048 is positioned inward of thesidewall 2016 and is closer to a center of the tray 2010. In thisconfiguration, the first retention grip can overlap a portion of theshelf 2012 to retain the shelf in position in the tray 2012.

Referring now to FIG. 29, a cross section of the first retention grip2038 at the corner 2024 is shown. The first retention grip 2038 can alsoinclude a top surface 2050 and a gripping surface 2052. The top surface2050 can be angled downwardly toward the base 2018 and include a smoothradius at the inner edge 2048. The gripping surface 2052 can be locatedon a lower portion of the first retention grip 2038 and can be roundedand/or angled downwardly toward the sidewall 2016. The smooth surfacesof the first retention grip 2038 allow the gripping surface to contactthe shelf 2012 to retain it in position but also allow fluids to easilyflow toward the base 2018. In addition, the smooth surface preventstress concentrations from occurring in the region of the firstretention grip 2038 so that the tray 2010 resists cracking, breaking orother failures.

In other examples, the retention grips 2038, 2040, 2042, 2044 can beconfigured differently. For example, the retention grips can havedifferent shapes or profiles or be of other sizes from that shown in thefigures. In one alternate example, the tray 2010 can only include tworetention grips positioned at diagonally opposite corners of the tray2010. In another alternate example, the retention grips can beconfigured as one or more projections or darts located at one or more ofthe corners of the tray 2010. Still further, alternatively configuredtrays with retention grips positioned at or near the supports is shown,for example, in FIGS. 38-44.

In other examples, the shelf 2012 can be retained to the tray usingother methods of attachment. In such other examples, the shelf 2012 canbe retained to the tray 2010 while still permitting the tray to bemoved, opened or otherwise removed so that a consumer can access theabsorbent pad 2014 for removal. In such alternate examples, the shelf2012 can be movably attached to the tray using a staking process, aliving hinge, a male-female mating connector, a releasable adhesive orother suitable feature.

As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the shelf 2012 can have a generally roundedrectangular shape. The shelf 2012 can also include one or more drainholes 2060 that can be dispersed along a support surface 2058 of theshelf 2012. The drain holes 2060 can have any suitable pattern along theshelf 2012 to allow juices or other fluids to flow from an item that ispositioned on the shelf toward the base 2018 of the tray 2010.

The configuration of the tray 2010 and the shelf 2012 can also be shapedsuch that the drain holes 2060 may not be necessary to allow the fluidfrom a food item to flow toward the base 2018. The smooth shape of thetray 2010 and the angled sidewall 2016 can allow the fluid to flow downthe sidewall 2016 toward the base 2018. In addition, the shelf 2012 canbe sized such that one or more edges of the shelf 2012 is spaced apartfrom the adjacent portion of the sidewall 2016 when the shelf 2012 isseated in the tray 2010. The edge of the shelf 2012 and an adjacentportion of the sidewall 2016 can define a gap through which fluid from afood item can flow toward the base 2018. Such gaps, for example, can belocated around the entire periphery of the shelf 2012 or arounddifferent regions of the shelf 2012, such as the corners, thelongitudinal edges and/or the transverse edges. In still other examples,the shelf 2012 can include one or more notches, slits, scallops,channels or other openings along the edges of the shelf 2012 tofacilitate the drainage of fluids toward the base 2018.

The shelf 2012 may also include one or more elements along the surfaceof the support surface 2058 that can limit the food item that is placedin the package 2000 from moving or sliding along the support surface2058. In the example shown, the shelf 2012 includes a series of ridges2062 that project upwards from the support surface 2058. The ridges 2062can have a rounded profile and an arcuate shape as shown. In otherexamples, the ridges 2062 can have a rectangular profile or other shapesor profiles. The ridges 2062 can also be shaped as dimples, projectionsor have other designs, or shaped to include a logo or other designelement or word.

When an item, such as a piece of uncooked chicken, is placed in thepackage 2000, the item is supported on the shelf 2012 and is in contactwith the ridges 2062. If the package is tipped or angled during shipmentor during use by the customer, the ridges 2062 “grip” the item in thepackage 2000 to prevent the item from sliding along the shelf 2012 andbeing clumped together in a corner of the package 2000. In addition, theridges 2062 can stiffen the shelf 2012 and allow the shelf 2012 tosupport a larger weight than it otherwise would be able to supportwithout the ridges 2062.

In other examples, such as the example shown in FIG. 32, the package2000 can include a shelf 2100 that is configured differently from theshelf 2012 previously described. The package 2000 can be substantiallysimilar to the package 2000 previously described and can include thetray 2010 and the absorbent pad 2014. The shelf 2100 can include, forexample, ridges 2102 that project downward or toward the base 2018. Thegeneral outer profile of the shelf 2100 can be similar to thatpreviously described such that the shelf 2100 can be positioned at avertical location at or near the support plane P1 and spaced apart fromthe base 2018. The ridges 2102, in this example, can project from thesupport plane P1 toward the base 2018 to define a cavity in which theabsorbent pad 2014 can be positioned to absorb and retain fluids thatmay exude from item that is positioned on the shelf 2100.

The shelf 2100 may include one or more drain holes 2060 that can permitfluids to flow toward the base 2018 and toward the absorbent pad 2014.In this example, the ridges 2102 may also include one or more apertures2104. The apertures 2104 can permit fluid that may otherwise be trappedinside the ridges 2102 to drain toward the base 2018 and toward theabsorbent pad 2014. The apertures 2104, in the example shown, can berounded openings but in other examples, the apertures 2104 can haveother shapes or configurations such as rectangular or oval slots. Thesize of such apertures 2104 can be of a sufficient size to permit thefluids that may flow from a food item (such as a piece of uncookedchicken) to flow through the apertures 2104 and not be retained in theridges 2102 and/or above the shelf 2100 due to particulates that maybecome suspended in the fluid or due to the surface tension of thefluid.

As shown in FIGS. 30-31, the absorbent pad 2014 can have a truncatedrectangular shape. The absorbent pad 2014 can have a rectangular profilethat is then trimmed at each corner to result in the octagonal shape asshown. In other examples, the absorbent pad 2014 can have other shapessuch as rectangular, oval or other shapes. In general, the absorbent pad2014 can have any suitable shape such that it can fit inside the tray2010 and sit at or near the base 2018.

The absorbent pad 2014 can have one or more layers of material commonlyused in the food packing industry. In the example shown, the absorbentpad 2014 can include an outer layer 2078, a middle layer 2066 and aninner layer 2070. The outer layer 2078 can be a water-resistant layer ofmaterial such as a polyethylene film or other suitable material. Themiddle layer 2066 can be made of a non-woven fabric that is formed froma water impermeable material such as a polymer film, polyethylene fiber,a polypropylene fiber, a polyester fiber, or the like. The inner layer2068 can be made of an absorbent medium or superabsorbent medium such aspulp, cellulosic material or the like. The absorbent or superabsorbentmedium can have the property of being able to absorb and retain asignificant amount of the fluid material.

Referring back to FIG. 22, the absorbent pad 2018 can be positioned inthe tray 2010 between the base 2018 and the shelf 2012. As such, athickness of the absorbent pad 2018 can be less than the space betweenthe base 2018 (and/or the platform 2026) and the bottom surface of theshelf 2012. As shown, the height of this space (denoted as H1 in FIG.22) allows the absorbent pad 2018 to be in a position to collect thejuices or other fluid that may flow downward toward the base 2010 from afood item packaged in the package 2000. The height H1 can be configuredto allow the absorbent pad 2014 to expand when it collects fluid. The“dry” height of the absorbent pad 2014 (denoted as H2 in FIG. 22) can becompared with the height H1 of the space between the base 2018 and theshelf 2012. In one example, the ratio of the height H1:H2 can be 2:1. Inanother example, the ratio H1:H2 can be 3:1. In still other examples,the ratio H1:H2 can be 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1 or 8:1. In another example,the ratio H1:H2 is between 2:1 to 5:1. In yet another example, the ratioH1:H2 is between 3:1 to 8:1. In other examples, the heights H1 and H2can have other relative sizes.

In absorbent pads such as the example pad 2014 previously described, theouter layers of polymer material can restrict the absorbent middlelayer's ability to expand and absorb fluid. Some absorbent materials areable to expand to 10x to 30x their original thicknesses when absorbingfluids. When restricted by polymer outer layers, the inner absorbentlayer can be restricted and only increase to 2x or 3x its originalthickness. The package 2000 of the present disclosure can be used withabsorbent pads different from the absorbent pad 2014 previouslydescribed.

It can be desirable to use an absorbent pad with outer polymer layers intraditional packages because the pad can contact the food item that islocated in the package. In the package 2000, however, the food item issupported above the absorbent pad 2014 by the shelf 2012. Since theabsorbent pad does not contact the food item, one or more of the polymerlayers (i.e. the outer layer 2078 or the middle layer 2068) can beremoved from the absorbent pad 2014. Such elimination of layers canresult in cost saving because of the reduced material and/or reducedprocessing. Furthermore, the “dry” thickness of the absorbent pad can bereduced in pads without one or more polymer layers because the absorbentmaterial of the middle layer 2068 can be unrestricted from absorbingfluids to its full absorbency capacity. Such reduction in the “dry”thickness of the absorbent pad can also reduce the cost of the padand/or reduce the cost and/or size of the package 2000.

The packages of the present disclosure can also reduce cost byeliminating the need to affix the absorbent pad 2014 to the tray 2010.In traditional packages, the absorbent pad is often affixed to the trayusing a hot melt adhesive or other staking, adhesive, or securingmethod. Since the absorbent pad 2014 of the package 2000 is contained inthe chamber 2022 between the shelf 2012 and the base 2018 of the tray2010, the absorbent pad 2014 does not need to be affixed to the tray2010 as would be the case in traditional packages. The packages of thepresent disclosure can be less costly since the step of affixing theabsorbent pad can be eliminated. In addition, the material costsassociated with the hot melt adhesive can be eliminated as well. As willbe described below, the package 2000 also allows for simple disposal ofthe adhesive pad 2014 (without touching of the adhesive pad 2014) toallow the tray 2010 and the shelf 2012 to be recycled

The configuration of the package 2000 as previously described furtherallows the absorbent pad 2014 to fully expand to its absorbent capacity.In traditional packaging, the food items can be placed directly on topof the absorbent pad. In these circumstances, the food items can betightly packed in a manner that does not allow the fluids that may flowfrom the food items to reach the absorbent pad. Instead, the fluids canpool on top of or between the food items. Testing of traditionalpackaging has confirmed that as much as 25% to 50% of traditionalpackages have absorbent pads that remain in a dry or unabsorbed stateafter packaging.

In addition to sealing fluids from flowing to the absorbent pad,traditional packaging also prevents the absorbent pads from utilizingtheir absorbent capacities. Since the food items are placed directly ontop of absorbent pads in traditional packaging, the weight of the fooditem(s) can prevent and/or limit the absorbent pad from swelling andutilizing its complete absorbent capacity.

The packages of the present disclosure can address these undesirableaspects of traditional packaging. The packages of the present disclosureseparate the food item(s) from the absorbent pad. In the exampledescribed above, the food item(s) can be placed on the shelf 2012 thatis spaced apart from the base 2018 of the tray 2010 and from theabsorbent pad 2014. In this configuration, the weight of the fooditem(s) is supported by the shelf 2012 and not by the absorbent pad 2014or the base 2018. This can allow the absorbent pad 2014 to fully utilizeits absorbent capacity. In addition, the shaped of the tray 2010, thefit between the shelf 2012 and the tray 2010, and the drain holes in theshelf 2012 allow fluids to drain from the food item(s) toward the base2018 and toward the absorbent pad 2014.

Turning now to FIG. 33, the package 2000 is shown covered in a film wrap2074 (shown in dashed lines). The film wrap 2074 can be any suitablewrap for food products such as a polymer film wrap. The package 2000including the tray 2010, the absorbent pad 2014, the shelf 2012 and afood item (not shown) can be wrapped in the film wrap 2074. After thepackage 2000 is wrapped, the package 2000 can be stored, transported anddisplayed for retail sale to a consumer. The film wrap 2074 can be anysuitable polymer film wrap and can be a permeable or non-permeablematerial depending on the type of food item that is placed in thepackage 2000. The type of film wrap 2074 may also be dependent onwhether the food item is packaged in an ambient atmosphere or in amodified atmosphere environment. As can be appreciated, the film wrapcan be a barrier or non-barrier material depending on the desiredatmosphere of the packaged food item.

As shown in FIG. 26A, the tray 2010 can include a rim 2020 around theupper portion of the sidewall 2016. The rim 2020 can include a rimradius 2082, a rim wall 2084 and a rim lip 2086. The sidewall 2016 cancurve outward in a rounded shape to define the rim radius 2082. The rimradius 2082 can have any suitable shape but is preferably a smoothrounded shape to permit the film wrap 2074 to contact the rim at theapex of the rim radius 2082 to result in a first seal to prevent theleakage of fluids from the package 2000.

The rim 2020 also includes the rim wall 2084 that can project downwardor away from the rim radius 2082 on a side of the sidewall 2016 outsideof the inner chamber 2022. The rim lip 2086 can be connected to a lowerportion of the rim wall 2084. The rim lip 2086 can project outwards awayfrom the rim wall 2084. In the example shown, the rim lip 2086 isoriented substantially parallel to the base 2018. The film wrap 2074 cancontact the rim lip 2086 after the film wrap 2074 wraps over the rimradius 2082 and downward toward the base 2018. The film wrap 2074 cancreate a second seal to prevent the leakage of fluids from the package2000.

As shown in FIG. 26B, an alternatively configured rim 2090 is shown. Inthis example, the rim 2090 can have many of the same features previouslydescribed with respect to FIG. 26A. In this example, however, the rim2090 can include a groove 2092 positioned between the rim wall 2094 andthe rim lip 2096. The groove 2092 can have a rounded shape defined bythe rim wall 2094 and an outer rim wall 2098 as shown. The film wrap2074 can be sealed into the groove 2092 to provide another seal that canprevent the leakage of fluids from the package 2000.

In other examples, the package 2000 can be inserted into a bag or pouch(not shown). In such examples, the bag or pouch serves to seal thecontents of the package 2000 from leaking and from contact with theambient environment. The bag or pouch can serve a similar function asthe film wrap 2074 previously described. The bag or pouch can be shapedto securely fit around the package 2000. In other examples, the bag orpouch can be shrink wrapped around the package 2000 to engage the rim2020 and to form around the other contours of the package 2000.

Referring now to FIGS. 34 and 35, a product package 3000 is shown. Theproduct package 3000 can incorporate many of the features and/orelements of the product package 2000. For example, the package 3000 caninclude the basic structure of the tray 2010, the shelf 2012 and theabsorbent pad 2014. Instead of being covered in the film wrap 2074,however, the package 3000 can incorporate the lid and the sealing filmas previously described with respect to packages 100, 500, 700, 800 and1500. As shown, the package 3000 can include a lid 3002, a tray 3004, ashelf 3006, a sealing film 3008 and an absorbent pad (not shown). Forthe sake of brevity, the various details of the lid, sealing film andthe mating structures of the tray are not repeated. It should beappreciated, however, that any of the variations on the lid, sealingfilm and the tray can be used in conjunction with the package 3000.

As shown in FIG. 34, the sealing film 3008 can be clear or transparentand/or can be substantially free from markings or other graphics. Inother examples (FIG. 35), the sealing film 3008 can include graphic 3022that is printed or registered on the sealing film 3008. The graphic 3022can have any shape or size and can include any type of graphic elements,branding materials or other product information. In still otherexamples, the sealing film 3008 can include multiple graphics 3022,labels, branding information or other product information. Suchgraphics, labels, branding information or other product information canalso be positioned on the lid 3002 or be positioned across both the lid3002 and the sealing film 2008. As can be appreciated, the film wrap2074 and/or sealing films 120, 320, 420, 520 can also be substantiallyclear or may include one or more graphics, labels, branding materials orother product information.

As previously described, the sealing film 3008 can be releasablyattached and/or sealed to the tray 3004 and fixedly attached and/orsealed to a frame 3010 of the lid 3002. The lid 3002 can create amechanical seal to the tray 3004 and can also be heat sealed to the tray3004 or sealed with an adhesive to the tray 3004. In this configuration,a consumer can open the package 3000 by lifting and separating the lid3002 from the tray 3004. As such action occurs, the sealing film 3008can release from the tray 3004 in order to access a food item that maybe contained in the package 3000. The consumer can then reseal thepackage 3000 by replacing and lowering the lid 3002 onto the tray 3004.As can be seen, the frame 3010 of the lid 3002 can define and/orcircumscribe an opening. The sealing film 3008 can be positioned acrossthe opening to seal the contents of the package 3000 when the lid 3002is positioned on the tray 3004. The package 3000 can also be configuredsuch that a consumer may reseal the package 3000 by covering the openingof the tray 3004 with a common cling wrap or plastic film often found inconsumer's kitchens.

The tray 3004 can include a first release tab 3012 and the lid 3002 caninclude a second release tab 3014. When the lid 3002 is positioned onthe tray 3004, the first release tab 3012 and the second release tab3014 are located at a common corner of the package 3000. The firstrelease tab 3012 and the second release tab 3014 can be skewed from oneanother and/or have mismatched shapes such that the outer edges of thefirst release tab 3012 and the second release tab 3014 are not alignedwith one another. In this configuration, a consumer can grasp each ofthe first release tab 3012 and the second release 3014 to easilyseparate the lid 3002 (and the sealing film 3008) from the tray 3004.

The package 3000 may also include a tamper evident sticker 3016. Thetamper evident sticker 3016 can be any suitable material that can beattached across a portion of the first release tab 3012 and a portion ofthe second release tab 3014. When a consumer opens the package 3000, thesticker 3016 clearly displays to the consumer that the package 3000 hasbeen opened. When the sticker 3016 is intact or otherwise in itsoriginal state, the consumer can have confidence that the package 3000has not been opened since it was originally packaged and/or sealed. Inthe example shown, the sticker 3016 is a rectangular piece of adhesivematerial. In other examples, the sticker 3016 can have other shapes(e.g., circular, square-shaped, star-shaped, polygonal) and can beattached using other fastening methods (e.g., hot melt, shrink-wrapped,etc.).

In other examples, the package 3000 can include other types oftamper-evident or tamper-resistant features. Such tamper-evident ortamper-resistant features can be included on the tray 3004 and/or thelid 3002. Other types of tamper-evident or tamper-resistant features mayinclude a heat sealed joint between the tray 3004 and/or the lid 3002, aperforated tear tab at a joint between the tray 3004 and the lid 3002,and/or a male/female plug fit on the tray 3004 and the lid 3002.

As shown in FIG. 36, the package 2000, in one example, can be sized andconfigured to permit one or more food items 2076 that may be positionedinside the package 2000 to extend above the rim 2020 of the tray 2010.The film wrap 2074, in the example shown, can be wrapped over the fooditems 2076 and can contact the rim 2020 such that any fluids that maydrain from the food items 2076 flow into the tray 2010. As previouslydescribed, the fluids can also be absorbed by the absorbent pad 2014positioned under the food items 2076 in the tray 2010.

Depending on the size of the food items 2076, the distance that the fooditems 2076 may extend above the rim 2020 can vary. As shown, the fooditems 2076 can extend above the rim 2020 by a vertical distance E1. Insome examples, the food items 2076 may extend above the rim 2020 by adistance E1 that is equal to or greater than 1 inch. In other examples,the food items 2076 may extend above the rim 2020 by a distance E1 thatis greater than or equal to 2 inches. In still other examples, the fooditems may extend above the rim 2020 by a distance E1 that is greaterthan or equal to 3 inches. As can be appreciated, food items such asground meat or de-boned chicken may extend above the rim 2020 by adistance less than a larger food item such as bone-in chicken pieces, awhole chicken or a pork or beef roast, for example.

The ability of the package 2000 to accommodate different size food itemsand to capture fluids that may drain from such food items isadvantageous. This functionality and versatility of the packages of thepresent disclosure allow food producers and/or packagers to reduce theamount of different size packages that are needed to package the variousdifferent food items that they may supply to the marketplace. Inaddition, the ability of the packages of the present disclosure to allowfood items to extend above the rim of the package allowsproducers/packagers to more densely pack multiple packages togetherand/or to reduce or minimize “empty” space inside the packages. Suchadvantages can reduce costs for the producer/packagers. Such savings canalso extend to retailers that can more densely pack the packages intocoolers or other retail spaces.

As shown in FIG. 37, the package 2000 can include a shelf 3020 that hasa different outer profile from that previously described and shown. Inanother example of the package 2000, the shelf 3020 can have a roundedcross-shape as shown. In this example, the corners of the shelf 3020have a concave rounded profile that are rounded inward toward a centerof the shelf 3020. With this configuration, the shelf 3020 can be spacedaway from each of the corners 2024 of the tray 2010. The shelf 3020 canbe otherwise similarly configured to that of the shelf 2012. While notshown, the shelf 3020 and/or the tray 2010 can include one or moreretention grips that can retain the shelf 3020 to the tray 2010. In oneexample, the retention grips can be positioned along the longitudinal ortransverse portions of the sidewall to interact with the portions of theshelf 3020 that may be located adjacent the sidewall.

The shelf 3020 has a shape with less surface area than that of shelf2012. Subsequently, the shelf 3020 can be made with less material thanthat of shelf 2012. In one example, the shelf 3020 has a shape and/orsurface area that permits the shelf 3020 to be nested with one or moreof the components of the package 2000. In one example, the shelf 3020 isshaped to permit the shelf 3020 to be nested with the tray 2010 duringthe forming process to reduce the amount of waste material.

Another example package 2200 is shown in FIGS. 38-40. The package 2200can have many of the same features and be configured similarly to theother packages in the present disclosure. The package 2200 can besimilarly configured, for example, to package 2000 previously described.For the sake of brevity, some of the differences between package 2200and package 2000 are described below.

Package 2200 can include a tray 2210, a shelf 2212 and an absorbent pad(not shown). The tray 2210 can be similarly configured as previouslydescribed with respect to tray 2010. In this example, however, the tray2210 can include retention grips 2238, 2240 positioned on the sidewallof the tray at or near the supports 2230, 2232. Instead of beingpositioned at or near the corners of the tray 2210, the retention grips2238, 2240 can be positioned at or near approximate mid-points of thesides of the tray 2210. While not visible in FIGS. 38 and 39, the traycan have retention grips and supports positioned on opposite sides ofthe tray 2210 from retention grips 2238, 2240 and supports 2238, 2240.The tray 2210 can include any suitable number of retention grips toretain the shelf 2212 in a position separated from the base 2218 of thetray 2210. In this manner, the shelf 2212 can support food items at aposition above the base 2218 of the tray 2210 to allow fluids to flowinto the base 2218 and/or toward the absorbent pad. In the exampleshown, the tray 2210 includes four retention grips 2238, 2240 eachpositioned on a side of the tray 2210. In other examples, the tray 2210may include two retention grips. In such examples, the pair of retentiongrips can be positioned on opposing sides of the tray 2210 to retain theshelf 2212 in position.

The tray 2210 can also include one or more gussets 2256. The gussets2256 can positioned along the rim 2220 of the tray 210 to prevent orminimize leak points that may be induced into the package after thewrapping process. Such leak points can be created if the rim 2220 of thetray 2210 buckles during or after the wrapping process. When the tray2210 is wrapped, a force is applied to the film wrap 2074 to smoothly,sealingly and securely wrap the package 2200. When such force is usedduring the wrapping process, the film wrap 2074 can cause the rim 2220of the tray 2210 to buckle. If buckling occurs in a manner in which therim 2220 folds on itself, a sharp point can be created at the point ofbuckling. This sharp point can pierce, cause abrasion, tear or otherwisecompromise the film wrap 2074 and allow fluids to escape at this leakpoint. Such leak points are undesirable. The gussets 2256 assist inminimizing the likelihood that, should buckling occur, that the rim 2220will buckle outward and create a sharp point to pierce or otherwisecompromise the film wrap 2074. Such pre-designed detents, such asgussets 2256, can act as a shock absorber to redirect deformation of thetray 2210.

In the example shown, the gussets 2256 can have a rounded concave shapethat projects inwardly from the rim 2220 a center of the tray 2210. Inother examples, the gussets 2256 can have other shapes and can bepositioned at other locations on the rim 2220. In the example shown, thetray 2210 includes two gussets along each longitudinal side and onegusset on each transverse side. In other examples, the tray 2210 caninclude more or less gussets. In still other examples, the tray 2210 canalso or alternatively include ribs, darts or other stiffening featuresto assist in preventing the rim 2220 from buckling.

The shelf 2212 can be similarly shaped as the shelf 3020 previouslydescribed. In the example shown, the shelf 2212 can include ridges 2262that project upwards and away from the base 2218 of the tray 2210. Theshelf 2212 can also include a series of drain holes 2264 positionedbetween the ridges 2262. The drain holes 2264 can allow fluids to flowfrom the food items that may be positioned on the shelf 2212 to the base2218 and/or toward the absorbent pad positioned below the shelf 2212.The ridges 2262 can have any suitable shape, profile or layout and canstiffen the shelf 2212 and/or assist in limiting movement of the fooditems in the package 2200 as previously described.

In another example package 2300 (FIGS. 41-43), a shelf 2312 can beconfigured to have ridges 2362 that project downwards or toward the base2318 of the tray 2310. The package 2300 can be similarly configured asthe package 2200 previously described. As shown, the package 2300 caninclude a tray 2310, a shelf 2312 and an absorbent pad (not shown). Insuch examples, the shelf 2312 may include one or more apertures 2364positioned in the ridges 2362 to permit fluids to flow toward the base2318 and/or the absorbent pad. The shelf 2312 may be solid between theridges 2362 and not include drain holes between the ridges 2362. Inother examples, drain holes can be positioned between the ridges 2362.The tray 2310 can also include one or more gussets 2356 along the rim ofthe tray 2310. The gussets 2356 can be similar to the gussets 2256previously described.

As further shown in the packages 2200, 2300, the shelf 2212, 2312 caninclude one or more relief features at a location toward the peripheryof the shelf 2212, 2312. In the examples shown, the shelf 2212, 2312 caninclude a first relief 2270, 2370, a second relief 2272, 2372, a thirdrelief 2274, 2374 and a fourth relief 2276, 2376. The first relief 2270,2370 can be positioned at or near the first retention grip 2238, 2338.The second relief 2272, 2372 can be positioned at or near the secondretention grip 2240, 2340. The third relief 2274, 2374 and the fourthrelief 2276, 2376 can be positioned at or near the third retention gripand the fourth retention grip, respectively.

In this manner, the shelf 2212, 2312 can include a relief at or neareach respective retention grip. The relief can allow the shelf 2212,2312 to deform at or near the retention grip when the shelf 2212, 2312is installed into the supported position on the supports at the supportplane P1 (FIG. 43). When the shelf 2212, 2312 is installed into thesupported position, the longitudinal length and/or the transverse widthof the shelf 2212, 2312 can be greater than the longitudinal gap and/orthe transverse gap between the oppositely positioned retention grips.The reliefs can allow the edges of the shelf 2212, 2312 at the retentiongrips to deform inwardly toward a center of the tray 2210, 2310 to allowthe shelf 2212, 2312 to move past the retention grips. After the edgesof the shelf 2212, 2312 have passed the retention grip, the edges of theshelf 2212, 2312 can flex back toward their original positions and beseated under the retention grip to retain the shelf 2212, 2312 in aretained position at the support plane P1.

Turning now to FIGS. 43 and 44, the shelf 2312 is shown in a supportedposition in the tray 2310. As shown, the retention grip 2342 can be aformation that projects inwardly from the sidewall of the tray 2310toward a center of the tray 2310. The retention grip 2342 can then slopeback outwardly at a position above the support 2334. In this manner, theretention grip 2342 and the support 2334 define a retention groove inwhich the shelf 2312 can be retained in position. As shown in FIG. 44,the edge 2378 of the shelf 2312 positioned outward of the relief 2374can contact the tray 2310 between the retention grip 2342 and thesupport 2334.

The relief 2374 can have an elongated rectangular shape with roundedends to define an elongated slot. In other examples, the relief 2374 orthe other reliefs positioned at the various edges of the shelf 2212,2312 can have other shapes or other configurations to permit the edgesof the shelf 2212, 2312 to flex during installation or removal. In otherexamples, the reliefs can be slits in the material, slots that defineone or more fingers at the edges of the shelf, living hinges, or thelike. While the retention grip 2342 and the support 2334 are shown inFIGS. 43 and 44, it should be appreciated that each of the retentiongrips and supports can be similarly configured on the packages 2200,2300.

The tray 2010, the shelf 2012 and/or the shelf 3020 (or other trays andshelves as described herein) can be formed using any suitable process.Example processes include thermoforming, vacuum forming, injectionmolding, blow molding or the like. In one example, the tray 2010, theshelf 2012 and/or the shelf 3020 can be formed from polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) using a vacuum forming process. In such a process, asuitable blank of material is placed into a vacuum forming mold thatincludes the shape of the component to be formed. After the blank ofmaterial is heated, the heated blank is pressed into the mold and air isevacuated between the blank and the mold. This action causes the heatedblank to come into contact with the mold and the blank to take the shapeof the mold. When the formed blank is cooled, the formed component canbe removed from the mold. As can be appreciated, a draft angle is oftenmaintained on the part of at least 3 degrees relative to directionsubstantially perpendicular to a direction of insertion of the blankinto the mold. In this manner, the formed component can be easilyremoved from the mold after cooling.

As shown in FIG. 29, the shape of the retention grip 2038 can generallyviolate this general guideline. As shown, the formation of the retentiongrip 2038 and particularly the shape of the gripping surface 2052, theinner edge 2048 and/or the top surface 2050 can cause the tray 2010 tobind within a traditional vacuum forming mold. To remedy this potentialproblem, the mold used in forming the tray 2010 can include a movableinsert that forms one or more features of the retention grip 2038. Themold can also include other movable inserts for the formation of theretention grips 2040, 2042, 2044. The movable inserts can travel in adirection substantially parallel to the direction of insertion/removalof the blank/formed component in the mold. As the movable inserts moveaway from the mold, the movable inserts and/or the formed component(e.g., the formed tray 2010) can flex in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the insertion/removal direction to allow the formedcomponent to “release” from the formation of the movable insert. In sucha manner, the vacuum forming process and/or the mold is simplified, isless costly and allows for the formation of the retention grip 2038 (andthe other retention grips of the packages 2000, 2200, 2300).

As shown in FIG. 45, in one example process, the tray 2010 can be formedfrom a tray blank 3030. As can be seen, the tray blank 3023 is sized topermit four individual trays 2010 to be formed at the same time. Giventhe requirements for the forming process such as a required border and arequired spacing between adjacent elements, the material in between andaround the trays 2010 is waste material that is unused and discardedafter the forming process. Similarly, the shelf 2012, in one exampleprocess, if formed from a shelf blank 3032 (FIG. 46). As shown, fourindividual shelves 2012 can be formed at the same time. The material inbetween and around the shelves 2012 is waste material that is unused anddiscarded after the forming process.

In another example process as shown in FIG. 47, the shelf 3020 can havethe alternate shape as described above. Since the shelf 3020 has asmaller footprint than shelf 2012, the shelf 3020 can be nested betweentrays 2010 in the forming process. In this example, four shelves 3020can be nested with four trays 2010 in a combined blank 3034. Thematerial between and around the trays 2010 and the shelves 3020 in thecombined blank 3034 is waste material that is unused and discarded afterthe forming process. The total waste material that results from thecombined blank 3034 is less than the total waste material that resultsfrom the combination of the waste material from the tray blank 3030 andfrom the shelf blank 3032. As a result, the use of the shelf 3020 canresult in a cost savings from the reduction of material. In one example,the material reduction can be approximately 8%. In another example, thematerial reduction can be greater than or equal to 8%. In yet anotherexample, the material reduction can be at least 5%.

In one example forming process, a combined blank 3034 can be cut havinga predetermined size. Such predetermined size can be a size that canaccommodate at least four trays 2010 and four shelves 3020. The combinedblank 3034 can then be inserted into a forming mold, such as a mold in avacuum forming process, and formed into four trays 2010. The skeletalwaste from the tray forming process can then be inserted into a secondforming mold, such as a mold in a vacuum forming process, and formedinto four shelves 3020. The rounded corners of the shelves 3020 can haveprofiles that align with and/or have similar shapes as the outer profileof the trays 2010 such that the shelves 3020 can be nested adjacent tothe trays 2010 in the combined blank 3034 to reduce the waste materialfrom the process in the manner previously described. In other examples,other process can be used such as using a single mold that includes fourtrays 2010 and four shelves 3020 in the single mold.

Turning now to FIG. 48, another example tray 3040 is shown. In thisexample the tray 3040 includes many of the same features and shape astray 2010 and such common features are not repeated for the sake ofbrevity. The tray 3040 can include one or more additional features thatcan stiffen and/or resist the risk of the tray 3040 being deformedduring the packaging process. When the tray is wrapped with the filmwrap 2074 (not shown in FIG. 48, but see FIG. 33 for example), the filmwrap 2074 can be secured tightly around the tray to prevent the leakageof fluids out of the tray. The tightly secured film wrap 2074 can exertforces on the outer perimeter of the tray and cause the tray to deform,crease or buckle. It is undesirable to have such deformation in afinished wrapped package because the deformation is visually unappealingand the deformation can cause points of leakage or lead to holes, tearsor other failures in the film wrap 2074.

As shown, the tray 3040 can include one or more longitudinal ribs 3042and/or one or more transverse ribs 3044. The longitudinal ribs 3042 canextend from the sidewall 2016 on one side of the tray 3040 across thebase 2018 and to the sidewall 2016 on the opposite side of the tray3040. Similarly, the transverse ribs 3044 can extend from the sidewall2016 on one transverse side of the tray 3040 across the base 2018 and tothe sidewall 2016 on the opposite transverse side of the tray 3040. Thelongitudinal ribs 3042 and the transverse ribs 3044 can project into theinner chamber of the tray 3040 and have a rounded profile. In otherexamples, the tray 3040 can more or less longitudinal or transverse ribsthan that shown in the example. In addition, the longitudinal ortransverse ribs can also be of different lengths to add the desiredstiffness to the tray 3040.

Other example trays are shown in FIGS. 49-53. These example trays canhave profiles and shapes that are similar to the tray 2010 previouslydescribed. For the sake of brevity, only those features that may differfrom the tray 2010 are described in further detail below.

As shown in FIG. 49, the example tray 4080 can include a base 4002 withone or more support braces 4004. The support braces 4004 can be formedintegrally into the base 4002 and project upward into the inner chamber4006. The tray 4080 can also include a flexible sheet 4008 that ispositioned on and/or adhered to a perimeter 4010 of the base 4002. Theflexible sheet 4008 can be a polymer film that stretches over the base4002. An absorbent pad (not shown) can be positioned in a well 4012between the base 4002 and the sheet 4008. The flexible sheet 4008 caninclude perforations, holes, slots or other openings through whichjuices and/or other fluids can flow from the inner chamber 4006 and intothe well 4012. Once in the well 4012, the absorbent pad can absorb thefluids.

In this example, the sheet 4008 can function similarly to the shelf 2012previously described but can be co-molded and or printed as part of anintegrally formed tray 4080. Since the sheet 4008 can be a thin layer ofmaterial, it may not be able to support the weight of a food item thatis positioned on the sheet 4008. For this reason, the base 4002 includesthe support braces 4004 previously described. The braces 4004 cansupport a food item on the sheet 4008 and maintain a spacing in the well4012 for the absorbent pad. As shown, the braces 4004 are orientedtransversely across the base 4002. In other examples, the braces 4004can have other shapes or orientations.

As shown in FIG. 50, an example tray 4100 can include a flexible sheet4102. The flexible sheet 4102 can include a film portion 4104 and anabsorbent portion 4106. The flexible sheet 4102 can integrate the sheet4008 and the absorbent pad (previously described with respect to tray4000) into a unitary component. The film portion 4104 can be a thinpolymer film that is positioned and/or bonded to a perimeter 4108 of thetray 4100. The absorbent portion 4106 is positioned on a lower surfaceof the film portion 4104 such that it can be located between the filmportion 4104 and the base 4110 in the well 4112. The film portion 4104can include perforations, holes, slots or other openings that allowjuices or fluids to flow from the inner chamber 4114 of the tray 4100onto the absorbent portion 4106. In this manner, the juices or fluidscan be collected in a position remote from the food item that may bestored in the tray 4100. The tray 4100 can include the support braces4116 as previously described.

Another variation of the tray 4100 is shown in FIG. 51. In this example,the flexible sheet 4102 has a different shape from that previouslydescribed. In this example, the absorbent portion 4106 of the flexiblesheet 4102 has a shape that is a complimentary shape as that of thebraces 4116. As can be seen, rather than having a continuous thicknessin the longitudinal direction as shown in FIG. 50, the absorbent portion4106 in this example fits between each of the support braces 4116. Inthis example, the absorbent portion 4106 can be positioned in the well4112 such that the force exerted by the food item that may be placed inthe inner chamber 4114 of the tray 4100 does not compress the absorbentportion 4106 of the flexible sheet 4102. The absorbent portion 4106 caninclude transversely oriented strips of absorbent material in a patternconsistent with the support braces 4116. In examples in which thesupport braces 4116 have a different pattern and/or orientation, theabsorbent portion 4106 can also have such different patterns and/ororientations.

Referring now to FIG. 52, another example package 4300 is shown. Theexample package 4300 can include a tray 4302, an absorbent pad 4304 anda film wrap 4306. As can be seen, the tray 4302 can be similarly shapedto the trays previously described. The tray 4302, in this examplehowever, can include a platform 4310 that is formed into the base 4306.The platform 4310 can include a support surface 4308 on which a fooditem can be positioned. The platform 4310 can be vertically offset froma lower surface 4320 of the base 4306. In this manner, the platform 4304defines a recess 4312 into which the absorbent pad 4304 can be located.The film wrap 4306 can be wrapped around the tray 4302. The film wrap4306 can cover and/or enclose an inner chamber 4314 of the tray 4302 aswell as cover and/or enclose the recess 4312. Thus, the film wrap 4306can retain the contents of the inner chamber 4314 in a desired locationas well as retain the absorbent pad 4304 and any fluids that may flowinto the recess 4312 in a desired location.

As further shown, the support surface 4308 may include one or more drainholes 4316. The drain holes 4316 can permit juices and/or other fluidsto flow through the platform 4310 and toward the absorbent pad 4304. Thedrain holes 4316 can be positioned in any suitable pattern to enablesuch drainage or flow of fluids. The tray 4302 can also include one ormore side channels 4318. The side channels 4318 can be positioned on ariser wall 4322 that connects between the base 4320 and the supportsurface 4308. Since the support surface 4308 of the platform 4310 has asmaller horizontal footprint than the base 4320, the tray 4302 defines agroove 4324 around support surface 4308. Juices and/or fluids collect inand/or flow into the groove 4324. The side channels 4318 permit thejuices and/or fluids to flow from the groove 4324 toward the absorbentpad 4304. As shown, the side channels 4318 can be vertically orientedslots positioned around the support surface 4308. In other examples,other perforations, drain openings or channels with differentorientations and shapes can also be used.

Another example package 4400 is shown in FIG. 53. The package 4400 caninclude a tray 4402 and a flexible sheet 4404. The tray 4402 can besubstantially similar to the tray 4302 previously described. As shown,the tray 4402 can include a platform 4408 that defines a groove 4410 anda recess 4412 as previously described with respect to the tray 4302.Instead of using the film wrap 4306 to cover the recess 4412, however,the package 4400 can include the flexible sheet 4404 that extends acrossthe recess 4412. The flexible sheet can include a film portion 4406 andan absorbent portion 4414. The film portion 4406 can be a thin layer ofpolymer material. The film portion 4406 can extend across the recess4412 and prevent juices and/or fluids from leaking out of the tray 4402.The absorbent portion 4414 can be made of absorbent material and cancollect the fluids that flow into the recess 4412.

In still other examples contemplated by the present disclosure, thepackage may include a shelf supported in other manners from thatdescribed above. In such other examples, a shelf can be placed in a trayand be supported above the base using other support structures. Forexample, the shelf and/or the base may include legs or support columnsthat extend downward from the shelf or extend upward from the base. Insuch examples, the legs or support columns can support the shelf in aposition vertically spaced apart from the base of the tray. Such aconfiguration can result in a chamber in which the absorbent pad can bepositioned to absorb fluids than can flow from a food item placed on theshelf in the package. In still other examples, other support structurescan be used.

As shown in FIG. 54, one or more packages of the present disclosure canbe stacked for transport or processing. The package 2000 can be nestedinto a stack 4500 of two or more packages 2000. FIG. 54 shows threepackages, 2000 a, 2000 b and 2000 c stacked together. Since therespective rims 2020 a, 2020 b, 2020 c of the packages 2000 a, 2000 b,2000 c, are vertically spaced apart from one another in the stack 4500,the packages can be easily de-nested from each other. Since the base2018 a, 2018 b, 2018 c is disposed on the shelf 2012 a, 2012 b, 2012 cof the adjacent package, the packages 2000 do not nest so closely thatseparation of the packages 2000 is difficult.

The packages of the present disclosure and the various componentsthereof can be disposable, recyclable, compostable and/or reusable. Inaddition, the package 2000 can be configured in order to permit aconsumer to easily dispose of the absorbent pad 2014. It can bedesirable to allow a consumer to dispose of the absorbent pad 2014without the need for the consumer to touch the absorbent pad 2014. Theconsumer may prefer not to touch the absorbent pad 2014 due to the factthat the absorbent pad 2014 has been exposed to juices and/or fluidsfrom uncooked meat. To prevent exposure to such juices and/or fluids orfor personal preference, the absorbent pad 2014 can be easily removedfrom the package 2000.

To accomplish the disposal and/or removal of the absorbent pad 2014, aconsumer can grip the package 2000 and turn the package upside down suchthat the shelf 2012 that is positioned in the inner chamber 2022 facesdownward over a trash container. The consumer can twist the tray 2010such that the opposite transverse ends of the tray 2010 are rotated inopposite rotational directions. As such twist is induced in the tray2010, the shelf 2012 can disengage from the retention grips 2038, 2040,2042, 2044. When such disengagement occurs, the shelf 2012 and theabsorbent pad 2014 can freely fall in a downward direction into thetrash container. The consumer has thusly disposed of the absorbent pad2014 while only gripping and twisting the tray 2010. The other packagesof the present disclosure, for example packages 2200 and 2300, can alsobe utilized by consumer in a similar manner to easily disengage theshelf 2212, 2312 from the tray 2210, 2310 to access and/or dispose ofthe absorbent pad. This easily access and disposal of the absorbent padcan make the packages of the present disclosure suitable for recycling,washing and/or re-use by the consumer.

The trays, shelves and other elements described in the foregoingdisclosure can be made of any suitable rigid or semi-rigid materialsincluding rigid or semi-rigid plastics. In addition, other examplesinclude use of stamped metals, bio-polymers, pulp, paper, paperboard orother suitable materials.

As previously described, the implementation of the packages, elementsthereof and related methods can have many benefits and advantages. Amongsuch advantages are increased customer satisfaction, reduction ofmaterials, reduction in packaging costs, increased run rates, increasedpacking density, and others.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of the claimed subject matter, butrather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particularembodiments. Certain features that are described in this specificationin the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented incombination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features thatare described in the context of a single embodiment can also beimplemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitablesubcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults, so long as the result is consistent with the descriptionprovided above.

While some embodiments of the present subject matter have beendescribed, it is to be understood that the embodiments described areillustrative only and that the scope of the invention is to be definedsolely by the appended claims when accorded a full range of equivalence,many variations and modifications naturally occurring to those of skillin the art from a perusal hereof

What is claimed is:
 1. A package for holding a food item comprising: atray comprising: a base connected to at least one sidewall which extendsaway from the base to a rim to define an inner chamber; at least onesupport projecting inward at a first position from the at least onesidewall in the inner chamber; and at least one retention grippositioned at a second position along the at least one sidewall, whereinthe second position is not vertically aligned with the first position;and a shelf supported in the inner chamber by the at least one supportsuch that the shelf is spaced apart from the base of the tray to permitan absorbent pad to be positioned therebetween, the shelf configured tosupport the food item in the inner chamber separated from the absorbentpad.
 2. The package of claim 1, wherein the at least one retention gripis positioned at a corner of the tray.
 3. The package of claim 1,wherein the at least one support comprises a first support, a secondsupport, a third support and a fourth support, the first and thirdsupports positioned opposite to each other longitudinally along thesidewall and the second and fourth supports positioned opposite to eachother transversely along the sidewall.
 4. The package of claim 3,wherein the at least one retention grip comprises a first retentiongrip, a second retention grip, a third retention grip, and a fourthretention grip, each retention grip positioned at a respective corner ofthe tray.
 5. The package of claim 1, wherein the shelf includes asupport surface defining a plurality of drain holes, the drain holesconfigured to allow fluids to flow through the shelf toward the base. 6.The package of claim 1, wherein the shelf includes a plurality of ridgesprojecting away from the base, the plurality of ridges configured tolimit the movement of the food item relative to the shelf when thepackage is manipulated into a position in which the base is skewedrelative to a horizontal plane.
 7. The package of claim 1, wherein: theabsorbent pad comprises an absorbent material that is configured toexpand when the absorbent pad absorbs fluid, the absorbent pad having adry height measured as the height of the absorbent pad prior toabsorption of fluid; and the shelf is spaced apart from the base by asecond height, the second height being at least two times the dry heightof the absorbent pad.
 8. The package of claim 1, further comprising afilm wrap comprising a flexible fluid impermeable material, the filmwrap positioned across the rim to seal the inner chamber of the trayfrom leakage of fluids.
 9. The package of claim 1, further comprising: alid comprising a frame defining a central aperture therein, the framehaving a profile complimentary to the rim of the tray to removablyengage to the rim; and a sealing film comprising a first film surfaceand an opposing second film surface, the first film surface beingpermanently affixed to the lid to cover the central aperture, the secondfilm surface being releasably sealed to the tray such that when a userdraws the lid away from the tray, the first film surface remains affixedto the lid and disengages from the tray.
 10. The package of claim 9,wherein the lid is configured to sealingly re-engage the tray after thelid is removed from the tray, the lid and the sealing film preventingleakage of fluids from the inner chamber of the tray when the lid isre-engaged to the tray.
 11. The package of claim 10, wherein: the traycomprises a first release tab projecting outward from the rim; and thelid comprises a second release tab projecting outward from the frame ata position adjacent to the first release tab; the first release tab andthe second release tab configured to assist a user in disengaging thelid from the tray.
 12. The package of claim 11, further comprising atamper evident sticker positioned across at least a portion of the firstrelease tab and the second release tab, the sticker indicating when thelid has been separated from the tray.
 13. The package of claim 1,wherein the tray has a rectangular outer profile.
 14. The package ofclaim 1, wherein the tray has a cross-shape with rounded concavecorners.
 15. The package of claim 1, wherein the tray includes aplurality of longitudinally extending ribs.
 16. The package of claim 1,wherein the tray includes a plurality of transversely extending ribs.17. The package of claim 1, wherein the shelf comprises a flexible sheetand the base comprises a plurality of support braces projecting towardthe flexible sheet from the base, the plurality of support bracessupporting a food item on the flexible sheet spaced apart from the base.18. The package of claim 17, wherein the absorbent pad is integrallyattached to the flexible sheet of the shelf
 19. The package of claim 18,wherein the absorbent pad comprises a plurality of sections of absorbentmaterial positioned between the plurality of support braces.
 20. A stackcomprising: a first package comprising the features of the package ofclaim 1; a second package comprising the features of the package ofclaim 1; wherein the respective rims of the first package and the secondpackage are spaced apart from each other.